What makes Odd How People Shake by Fear Before notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to punk rock, with notable mentions from publications like Alternative Press and Pitchfork. It also contributed to the growing popularity of the post-hardcore genre in the early 2000s, influencing a wave of bands that followed. Odd How People Shake is Fear Before's second studio album, following their 2003 debut, The Always Open Mouth. Released in 2004, the album marked a significant step in the band's evolution, showcasing their signature blend of post-hardcore and experimental sounds while solidifying their presence in the punk rock scene.

How many songs are on Odd How People Shake?

Odd How People Shake has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Odd How People Shake

Fear Before · 2004

41 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

Chaotic punk rock bursts collide with introspective lyrics, creating a whirlwind of raw emotion and frenetic energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Go Wash Your Mouth… I Don’t Know Where It’s Been — This track exemplifies the band's ability to balance aggressive instrumentation with intricate lyrical storytelling, making it a standout representation of their style.
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Girl’s Got a Face Like Murder — With its catchy hooks and relentless energy, this song encapsulates the band's punk roots while drawing listeners into its vivid narrative.
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What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas — The extended runtime allows for an expansive exploration of themes, making it a bold closer that showcases their experimental tendencies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of chaotic punk rock and introspective lyrics creates a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a chaotic burst of guitars and drums, setting an aggressive tone that persists through the majority of the album.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, often shifting from frenetic energy to quieter, introspective moments within the same song.
Lyrically, the album balances raw emotional expression with abstract imagery, creating a contrast between the chaotic sound and thoughtful content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Fashion Tips Baby 1:48
2 Go Wash Your Mouth… I Don’t Know Where It’s Been 6:29
3 Given to Dreams 3:35
4 Girl’s Got a Face Like Murder 1:55
5 The Lisbon Girls, Oh the Lisbon Girls 2:30
6 The 20th Century Was Entirely Mine 3:21
7 Sarah Goldfarb, Where Are Your Manners 3:07
8 On the Brightside, She Could Choke 3:03
9 Motelroom.Grandpiano 3:01
10 What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas 12:12

What to play next

Listen next

The Always Open Mouth

2006

Go back to

Art Damage

2004

Full Fear Before discography Artists like Fear Before

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata